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Moonrise Academy: Academy Shifters #2
The Mysterious Boyfriend
A secret life. Hidden abuse. Forbidden love.
Calen meets the alpha of his dreams. But after their first encounter, the alpha ghosts him. Two months later, the alpha wants to meet again. His behavior remains mysterious, but Calen cannot deny their connection is on fire. His wolf insists they've met their mate.
Vash has a secret. His family lives by old pack law. To save his family's honor for a major crime against an enemy pack, he lives indentured to another alpha, serving as a tribute, and his life is completely controlled. He is not allowed to ever take a mate. But when he meets Calen, honoring old pack law comes into question for him and he is compelled to be with Calen above all else.
Will the alpha who controls Vash ever let him go? Can Calen and Vash find a way to ever be together?
Wolf-shifter omegaverse, fated mates, a secret life, hidden abuse, forbidden love, mpreg, HEA.
Calen meets the alpha of his dreams. But after their first encounter, the alpha ghosts him. Two months later, the alpha wants to meet again. His behavior remains mysterious, but Calen cannot deny their connection is on fire. His wolf insists they've met their mate.
Vash has a secret. His family lives by old pack law. To save his family's honor for a major crime against an enemy pack, he lives indentured to another alpha, serving as a tribute, and his life is completely controlled. He is not allowed to ever take a mate. But when he meets Calen, honoring old pack law comes into question for him and he is compelled to be with Calen above all else.
Will the alpha who controls Vash ever let him go? Can Calen and Vash find a way to ever be together?
Wolf-shifter omegaverse, fated mates, a secret life, hidden abuse, forbidden love, mpreg, HEA.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2022
16 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Rathbone
153 books347 followersWendy Rathbone has had dozens of stories published in anthologies such as: Hot Blood, Writers of the Future (second place,) Bending the Landscape, Mutation Nation, A Darke Phantastique, and more. The book "Dreams of Decadence Presents: Wendy Rathbone and Tippi Blevins" contains a large collection of her vampire stories and poems. Over 500 of her poems have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She won first place in the Anamnesis Press poetry chapbook contest with her book "Scrying the River Styx." Her poems have been nominated for the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling award at least a dozen times.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 11, 2022
3.5 stars
RTC but aww this one was so sweet. I love a good forbidden romance and this book really ampted up the forbidden aspect, which I really loved reading about. I loved how forbidden their love felt and how they did everything to be together regardless of that. This book was lovely to read and I enjoyed it a lot.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
RTC but aww this one was so sweet. I love a good forbidden romance and this book really ampted up the forbidden aspect, which I really loved reading about. I loved how forbidden their love felt and how they did everything to be together regardless of that. This book was lovely to read and I enjoyed it a lot.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
May 2, 2022
Well then...
This was a story about a very young man named Vash who was taken as an indentured servant when he was 17 and was treated really badly. He also had some Stockholm syndrome going on with the guy who took him.
Vash meets Calen and his life is changed.
I really liked the explanation of this particular omegaverse in the beginning of the story, most of the time one finds out about what particular details the world has when they read it. This also had nothing to do with the academy, outside of Calen working there. Vash was not a student there.
I also liked that Calen was an older omega and no one mentioned it. It was just accepted.
As weird as it may seem, I want The Heir to find his happy and to admit that he actually cares for Vash.
This was a story about a very young man named Vash who was taken as an indentured servant when he was 17 and was treated really badly. He also had some Stockholm syndrome going on with the guy who took him.
Vash meets Calen and his life is changed.
I really liked the explanation of this particular omegaverse in the beginning of the story, most of the time one finds out about what particular details the world has when they read it. This also had nothing to do with the academy, outside of Calen working there. Vash was not a student there.
I also liked that Calen was an older omega and no one mentioned it. It was just accepted.
As weird as it may seem, I want The Heir to find his happy and to admit that he actually cares for Vash.
April 28, 2022
This book was a quick read with a semi-forbidden romance, a secret relationship and an interesting look into old pack laws. Calen and Vash meet at a Christmas party but their time together is cut short. Then struggle to stay in touch or even move on from that first meeting. Vash’s situation is really interesting but also kind of infuriating for both himself and for Calen - they’re forced apart even though their wolves call to each other.
I loved how Calen, Julian and Toby came together to figure out a solution to Vash’s problem and the crossover in the timeline between this book and book 1 in the series, but I felt like things wrapped up really easily after 8 years of complicated servitude for Vash at the hands of Corvaiz. I knew Calen would figure out a way to get his HEA with Vash but was hoping for a bit more of their happiness together before the epilogue.
Really curious to see where book 3 takes us and to see how Corvaiz earns his redemption after everything he’s done.
I loved how Calen, Julian and Toby came together to figure out a solution to Vash’s problem and the crossover in the timeline between this book and book 1 in the series, but I felt like things wrapped up really easily after 8 years of complicated servitude for Vash at the hands of Corvaiz. I knew Calen would figure out a way to get his HEA with Vash but was hoping for a bit more of their happiness together before the epilogue.
Really curious to see where book 3 takes us and to see how Corvaiz earns his redemption after everything he’s done.
May 14, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Moonrise Academy: The Mysterious Boyfriend is the second book in Wendy Rathbone’s Academy Shifters series. The book follows Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster, but while Julian and Toby appear here as supporting characters, this story stands alone just fine. This is an omegaverse world with both shifting and mpreg, and as we learn here, a world of old school laws that also affect some of the packs.
From a romance end, I enjoyed this one as Vash and Calen have a sweet and compelling connection. They fall for one another quite quickly, but I liked them as a couple.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Moonrise Academy: The Mysterious Boyfriend is the second book in Wendy Rathbone’s Academy Shifters series. The book follows Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster, but while Julian and Toby appear here as supporting characters, this story stands alone just fine. This is an omegaverse world with both shifting and mpreg, and as we learn here, a world of old school laws that also affect some of the packs.
From a romance end, I enjoyed this one as Vash and Calen have a sweet and compelling connection. They fall for one another quite quickly, but I liked them as a couple.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 4, 2022
3.5 Stars!
A great follow-up and it seems like this series is just going to get better and better. This was a tale of a forbidden romance, but different from ones I had read before. I liked I Calen and Vance both and my heart hurt for them as they tried to find a way to be together. I don't know if it's because I read a lot of omegaverse, but I did feel like it was pretty obvious how it was going to all work out. Still, I often felt very anxious waiting to see how it would play out. I have NO idea how Rathbone is going to redeem the Heir in the next book, but she's definitely made me like hated characters before!
A great follow-up and it seems like this series is just going to get better and better. This was a tale of a forbidden romance, but different from ones I had read before. I liked I Calen and Vance both and my heart hurt for them as they tried to find a way to be together. I don't know if it's because I read a lot of omegaverse, but I did feel like it was pretty obvious how it was going to all work out. Still, I often felt very anxious waiting to see how it would play out. I have NO idea how Rathbone is going to redeem the Heir in the next book, but she's definitely made me like hated characters before!
June 16, 2022
I like it. Wendy did a world expansion with packs and pack law, which isn't something we saw in the last book. I enjoyed Calen and Vash. Their story felt more angsty than Julien and Toby's, which I very much like.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. It is bound to be a good one!
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. It is bound to be a good one!
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May 7, 2022I really enjoyed reading this fantastic, heartfelt, heartbreaking yet hopeful, emotionally charged, more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, endearing, sweet, simmering, and totally awesome story. This talented author has given the omegaverse genre a fresh twist, and I would definitely recommend getting it ASAP.
May 8, 2022
Great story but conflicted by so much
The blurb gives you the gist of the story but, as with the first book, there are no trigger warnings and there should be. This book contains a twenty-four seven master and slave dynamic (with the slave forced into it by pack law) with complete control over everything, mental and physical, and cruel punishment, but to be completely clear, there is NO sexual aspect to the dynamic whatsoever.
The slave suffers from Stockholm Syndrome, caused partly by his own sense of honour but nonetheless real.
Running concurrently with the timeframe of the first book, this is Julian's best friend's story, though we learnt very little about Calen because Vash took centre stage. The Headmaster established this A/B/O world populated by males only, which I found fascinating, and this book expands to cover the wider world outside the Academy.
Calen and Vash's story was so hard to put down, I read it in one setting, but I'm not quite sure why! There were so many things that I had trouble with. (See some below, under Spoilers.)
The story was good and I liked seeing Julian and Toby again. Calen was so sweet and loving, accepting Vash's situation once he found out more information, but determined to help his mate in any way he could. Vash was harder to love because of all the reasons above and below, but I felt for him anyway.
Corvaiz was an absolute nightmare, and I have no idea how Wendy can rehabilitate him, or if I even want to read that. His grief is out of control, and he treats everyone like dirt, and I hope that whoever has the misfortune to be his mate makes him jump through every hoop known to man, making him grovel for years before his mate even gives him the time of day, let alone anything else. I do want to see Corvaiz realise just how incredibly cruel and unfair he has been to Vash, for no reason other than that he could, and to beg forgiveness and make true reparation to him.
The ending happened too easily for me, and it all wrapped up with very little fanfare which didn't quite ring true with Corvaiz's character, although as the story went on, he became more complex than just a tyrant but we didn't see enough of that to judge. I'm sure that will all come to the fore in his book, which is next.
The epilogue was sweet but I wanted to see more of Calen and Vash once they were finally together.
I have given it four stars because despite all my reservations, it was a terrifically compelling story, even when I hated what was happening to Vash.
SPOILERS
Vash's servitude could have been avoided completely if his parents had 'opted out' of old pack law (not as easy as that sounds but they could have done it).
Consent and signatures were needed for Vash's indenture but not enough care was taken with all the details by the parties concerned. And learning how controlling Corvaiz was with everything and everyone, there's absolutely no way he wouldn't have followed up as required.
Vash COULD have walked away at any time, and I think Corvaiz fully expected him to do that from things he said.
Fated mates are meant to be more important than anything but Vash was basically stringing Calen along as he couldn't bring himself to walk away from Corvaiz because of his own honour.
The ending was too rushed, with Corvaiz giving in too easily for his character and his entire history with Vash. It could be because he's seen the writing on the wall, or even started to see the light in relation to his own behaviour but nothing in the story suggests that.
The blurb gives you the gist of the story but, as with the first book, there are no trigger warnings and there should be. This book contains a twenty-four seven master and slave dynamic (with the slave forced into it by pack law) with complete control over everything, mental and physical, and cruel punishment, but to be completely clear, there is NO sexual aspect to the dynamic whatsoever.
The slave suffers from Stockholm Syndrome, caused partly by his own sense of honour but nonetheless real.
Running concurrently with the timeframe of the first book, this is Julian's best friend's story, though we learnt very little about Calen because Vash took centre stage. The Headmaster established this A/B/O world populated by males only, which I found fascinating, and this book expands to cover the wider world outside the Academy.
Calen and Vash's story was so hard to put down, I read it in one setting, but I'm not quite sure why! There were so many things that I had trouble with. (See some below, under Spoilers.)
The story was good and I liked seeing Julian and Toby again. Calen was so sweet and loving, accepting Vash's situation once he found out more information, but determined to help his mate in any way he could. Vash was harder to love because of all the reasons above and below, but I felt for him anyway.
Corvaiz was an absolute nightmare, and I have no idea how Wendy can rehabilitate him, or if I even want to read that. His grief is out of control, and he treats everyone like dirt, and I hope that whoever has the misfortune to be his mate makes him jump through every hoop known to man, making him grovel for years before his mate even gives him the time of day, let alone anything else. I do want to see Corvaiz realise just how incredibly cruel and unfair he has been to Vash, for no reason other than that he could, and to beg forgiveness and make true reparation to him.
The ending happened too easily for me, and it all wrapped up with very little fanfare which didn't quite ring true with Corvaiz's character, although as the story went on, he became more complex than just a tyrant but we didn't see enough of that to judge. I'm sure that will all come to the fore in his book, which is next.
The epilogue was sweet but I wanted to see more of Calen and Vash once they were finally together.
I have given it four stars because despite all my reservations, it was a terrifically compelling story, even when I hated what was happening to Vash.
SPOILERS
Vash's servitude could have been avoided completely if his parents had 'opted out' of old pack law (not as easy as that sounds but they could have done it).
Consent and signatures were needed for Vash's indenture but not enough care was taken with all the details by the parties concerned. And learning how controlling Corvaiz was with everything and everyone, there's absolutely no way he wouldn't have followed up as required.
Vash COULD have walked away at any time, and I think Corvaiz fully expected him to do that from things he said.
Fated mates are meant to be more important than anything but Vash was basically stringing Calen along as he couldn't bring himself to walk away from Corvaiz because of his own honour.
The ending was too rushed, with Corvaiz giving in too easily for his character and his entire history with Vash. It could be because he's seen the writing on the wall, or even started to see the light in relation to his own behaviour but nothing in the story suggests that.
May 9, 2022
Vash came from a pack that follows the old ways. When his older brother murdered the one of the twin heirs to a rival family, Vash's family was dishonored. According to old pack law either the alpha who committed the crime or the next unmated alpha can restore honor to the family name. Since his brother was in prison for murder, his family expected 17 year old Vash agree to serve the rival family for the rest of his life so the family honor could be restored. His parents signed the contract between families but Vash couldn't sign the contract until he turned 18. Vash became the possession of the remaining twin to the rival family, Corvaiz. Corvaiz has complete control over Vash's life. He has trained him to be in top physical shape and has him competing in races. Vash only gets a night away from Corvaiz every month or so so he can take care of his alpha needs. On one of his free nights, he goes to a Christmas party for Moonrise Academy. There he meets Calen an English professor and sparks fly. Vash wants to meet Calen again but he has no control over his life. When Corvaiz sees the text messages from Calen, he gives Vash one night to get his knot on then he will delete Calen's information. Corvaiz doesn't realize that Vash and Calen have a deeper bond than lust.
Calen fell for the mysterious stranger at the Christmas party at first sight. Things were getting pretty steamy when Vash was called away but Vash did give him his phone number . Calen texted Vash for weeks before he got a reply. Vash set up a special date for the two of them and the the night was hot and magical. However Vash left before Calen woke up leaving a note saying that even though he has feelings for Calen, he is not free to see him again. Calen is wondering what secrets Vash is hiding.
Calen fell for the mysterious stranger at the Christmas party at first sight. Things were getting pretty steamy when Vash was called away but Vash did give him his phone number . Calen texted Vash for weeks before he got a reply. Vash set up a special date for the two of them and the the night was hot and magical. However Vash left before Calen woke up leaving a note saying that even though he has feelings for Calen, he is not free to see him again. Calen is wondering what secrets Vash is hiding.
May 10, 2022
Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Wow what a fantastic read I just could not put this book down. My heart really went out for Calen and Vash to find your fated mate only to find that there is a world of hurt standing in their way of them being together.
Calen is a omega shifter, who teaches at moonrise Academy. He went out with one of his friends to a Christmas party and had rather a lot to drink. But as he was going out to get air he noticed a stunningly gorgeous man across from him. His wolf came alert. He knew that he had his mate in his eye line. The second he takes his eyes away from the man he disappears.Calen goes outside only to come face-to-face with him again they speak briefly he finds out his name is Vash and they share a kiss. Everything changes for both of them.
Vash Is a Alpha Wolf shifter and he is paying a debt. His older brother killed a man in a bar fight and now the alpha of the clan who was also his twin brother bought an old law out and claimed Vash at the age of 17 to pay for his brother sins. Vash would do anything for Family Honor and agreed to go. Vash went through so much abuse, mental, physical and emotional abuse. He met Calen and he knew he was his fated mate but he could never give him the life that he deserves. But he just couldn’t stay away.
I don’t want to go too much into the story because there’s so much content and emotion and my heart was really happy for these two, But I was so glad That no matter what happened they had Love, support and strength for each other. This is a fantastic read I honestly couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for the next book in the series Wendy Rathbone is an amazing author. Another fantastic book.
Wow what a fantastic read I just could not put this book down. My heart really went out for Calen and Vash to find your fated mate only to find that there is a world of hurt standing in their way of them being together.
Calen is a omega shifter, who teaches at moonrise Academy. He went out with one of his friends to a Christmas party and had rather a lot to drink. But as he was going out to get air he noticed a stunningly gorgeous man across from him. His wolf came alert. He knew that he had his mate in his eye line. The second he takes his eyes away from the man he disappears.Calen goes outside only to come face-to-face with him again they speak briefly he finds out his name is Vash and they share a kiss. Everything changes for both of them.
Vash Is a Alpha Wolf shifter and he is paying a debt. His older brother killed a man in a bar fight and now the alpha of the clan who was also his twin brother bought an old law out and claimed Vash at the age of 17 to pay for his brother sins. Vash would do anything for Family Honor and agreed to go. Vash went through so much abuse, mental, physical and emotional abuse. He met Calen and he knew he was his fated mate but he could never give him the life that he deserves. But he just couldn’t stay away.
I don’t want to go too much into the story because there’s so much content and emotion and my heart was really happy for these two, But I was so glad That no matter what happened they had Love, support and strength for each other. This is a fantastic read I honestly couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for the next book in the series Wendy Rathbone is an amazing author. Another fantastic book.
May 3, 2022
Fated mates vs Stockholm syndrome
Ambience descriptions and emotion portrayal, as always with Wendy Rathbone, are exceptional and fill in parts of the soul.
The plot in this one could have been banal, but was taken to a different level, with much more about the characters' personal worlds taken for granted than usual in order for their personal paths in life to be felt rather than described. Thus a quick introduction to this alternate world, for anyone unfamiliar with this author's exceptionally unique creation, was welcome.
Perhaps Calen's part was less developed than it could have been, with a very fine-tuned focus on Vash, but the prologue foreshadowed the sensation that this was more about the latter than the former.
In a paranormal world that contemplates fated mates as a possibility, meshed with a situation where one is free and the other...is not, the crushing weight of captivity leading through the depths of a very intricate Stockholm syndrome creates a difficult path towards a HEA.
The ending seemed slightly rushed, but left a warm glow.
Ambience descriptions and emotion portrayal, as always with Wendy Rathbone, are exceptional and fill in parts of the soul.
The plot in this one could have been banal, but was taken to a different level, with much more about the characters' personal worlds taken for granted than usual in order for their personal paths in life to be felt rather than described. Thus a quick introduction to this alternate world, for anyone unfamiliar with this author's exceptionally unique creation, was welcome.
Perhaps Calen's part was less developed than it could have been, with a very fine-tuned focus on Vash, but the prologue foreshadowed the sensation that this was more about the latter than the former.
In a paranormal world that contemplates fated mates as a possibility, meshed with a situation where one is free and the other...is not, the crushing weight of captivity leading through the depths of a very intricate Stockholm syndrome creates a difficult path towards a HEA.
The ending seemed slightly rushed, but left a warm glow.
May 8, 2022
Calen, a professor at the Moonrise Academy, found the alpha of his dreams at the Academy’s Christmas party. They shared one amazing kiss and, then, nothing. Two months later, Vash wants to meet for dinner and Calen hurries to accept. Calen is sure Vash is his mate, but Vash has his secrets. He comes from a pack that follows the old pack laws. When his brother committed a crime and was sent to prison, Vash was indentured as a tribute. He has no control over his life and is forced to do all the alpha says. Calen makes him rethink his position and Vash wants a life with him.
Your heart will go out to Vash, forced to serve when he was innocent of any wrong doing. The alpha he served did not treat him well and constantly abused both physically and emotionally. Vash was there to save his family from shame. Calen refuses to accept they cannot be together and searches for a way out. Does he find one? You will need to experience the answer yourself in the pages of this wonderful story. You will find yourself routing for a happy ending.
Your heart will go out to Vash, forced to serve when he was innocent of any wrong doing. The alpha he served did not treat him well and constantly abused both physically and emotionally. Vash was there to save his family from shame. Calen refuses to accept they cannot be together and searches for a way out. Does he find one? You will need to experience the answer yourself in the pages of this wonderful story. You will find yourself routing for a happy ending.
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this second book in the Moonrise Academy series. Series note, you need to read book one, as the main characters in that book are prominent throughout this book. Wendy expands on the world she's created and has created another fascinating set of main characters. Calen is a professor at Moonrise Academy and is best friends with Headmaster Julien. He finds himself envious of Julien and Toby's relationship and kind for his own mate. Enter Vash, indentured to an alpha that he has a very interesting relationship with. In a bit of a Cinderella story Vash and Julien meet at a holiday party. Months later they meet up again and the mystery of Vash begins to unravel. If you're looking for a story similar to the first one, this is not it. This one deals with a lot of hurt/comfort. In this omegaverse, you will also find mPreg. This is wonderful story of overcoming circumstances and achieving a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book and this series. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 26, 2022
The Mysterious Boyfriend is a great addition to WR's Moonrise Academy series.
Although this book is Calen's HEA, The Mysterious Boyfriend is really Vash's story.
In this story, we meet Vash as a 17 yo alpha. Based on old pack law, he has been indentured to serve as a slave for a crime committed by his incarcerated brother.
My heart broke for Vash. To the outside world, it looks like Vash has it all. He is an accomplished athlete and appears to have money.
What the world doesn't know is that Vash has nothing. He has no control over this life. His every waking hour is dictated by "the Heir" - what he eats, when he eats, when he trains, what he wears. Even his s3xual exploits.
When Vash meets Calen on his rare night out, he quickly realises that one kiss isn't enough.
What I enjoyed about this story is that Calen was not the typical omega.
He was older than Vash, and he was not written as a weak individual.
The Mysterious Boyfriend is a well written shifter book with enough drama that kept me entertained.
The next book in the series will be "the Heir's" story and I am intrigued to see how WR will alter may opinion of this alpha.
Although this book is Calen's HEA, The Mysterious Boyfriend is really Vash's story.
In this story, we meet Vash as a 17 yo alpha. Based on old pack law, he has been indentured to serve as a slave for a crime committed by his incarcerated brother.
My heart broke for Vash. To the outside world, it looks like Vash has it all. He is an accomplished athlete and appears to have money.
What the world doesn't know is that Vash has nothing. He has no control over this life. His every waking hour is dictated by "the Heir" - what he eats, when he eats, when he trains, what he wears. Even his s3xual exploits.
When Vash meets Calen on his rare night out, he quickly realises that one kiss isn't enough.
What I enjoyed about this story is that Calen was not the typical omega.
He was older than Vash, and he was not written as a weak individual.
The Mysterious Boyfriend is a well written shifter book with enough drama that kept me entertained.
The next book in the series will be "the Heir's" story and I am intrigued to see how WR will alter may opinion of this alpha.
April 30, 2022
This was a great second book in the series where we got to see Calen get his HEA. I liked the premise of the story, it really expanded on the previous world-building and Vash was such a sweet alpha. I think the pair had great chemistry and there were some very hot moments between them. I liked Calen's determination and how strong he was, fighting for Vash and their future together.
In a way, their relationship was the straightforward part; they meet, they form a bond and they then have to overcome Vash's servitude. The more detailed reading was actually Vash's experiences with Corvaiz (who was such an interesting, conflicting character). I am so intrigued about the next book in the series where Corvaiz gets his redemption story - I can't begin to predict how that will go but I'm sure it's going to be a fantastic story to read. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to others who like MM romance.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
In a way, their relationship was the straightforward part; they meet, they form a bond and they then have to overcome Vash's servitude. The more detailed reading was actually Vash's experiences with Corvaiz (who was such an interesting, conflicting character). I am so intrigued about the next book in the series where Corvaiz gets his redemption story - I can't begin to predict how that will go but I'm sure it's going to be a fantastic story to read. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to others who like MM romance.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 8, 2022
Amazing!!!
What the author did here was just that, amazing. Getting to know Vash I had such a strong dislike for Corvais. I fell for Calen when I met him in Julian and Toby’s book. Getting to know him better and see his journey here only made me love him more. The astounding thing is that knowing what Corvais had been through and seeing him through Vash’s eyes made me sympathetic even while hating what he did. I truly think he thought he was helping Vash grow to be a strong alpha without any of the failings his brother had. Though I think he also was still in the angry stage of grief too. Hence the way he acts and keeps the house. Plus he still feels the need for there to be punishment for the crime committed. It will be interesting to see his thoughts on pack law and how he handles the loss of Vash. I can’t wait to read his story. The author did a great job of altering my perspective of him.
What the author did here was just that, amazing. Getting to know Vash I had such a strong dislike for Corvais. I fell for Calen when I met him in Julian and Toby’s book. Getting to know him better and see his journey here only made me love him more. The astounding thing is that knowing what Corvais had been through and seeing him through Vash’s eyes made me sympathetic even while hating what he did. I truly think he thought he was helping Vash grow to be a strong alpha without any of the failings his brother had. Though I think he also was still in the angry stage of grief too. Hence the way he acts and keeps the house. Plus he still feels the need for there to be punishment for the crime committed. It will be interesting to see his thoughts on pack law and how he handles the loss of Vash. I can’t wait to read his story. The author did a great job of altering my perspective of him.
April 28, 2022
Wonderful mpreg romance with utterly lovable MCs! Wendy Rathbone is one of my favorite mpreg authors. I love the heartfelt emotions and the original worldbuilding she brings to this subgenre. I felt so bad for Vash. He is so duty conscious, and I felt sad that he was so bound by that and by his love and respect for his parents. His chains are in part of his own doing. I did struggle a bit to understand his unwillingness to take more agency over his own life. He’s very lucky to have found Calen. They are incredibly sweet together. Calen has the patience and understanding of a saint, almost.
It was fun to have the MCs from the first book in the series make an appearance in this book too. Loved that! And I'm quite hopeful to see more of a certain secondary character who seems to have a story to tell as well...
It was fun to have the MCs from the first book in the series make an appearance in this book too. Loved that! And I'm quite hopeful to see more of a certain secondary character who seems to have a story to tell as well...
May 5, 2022
Moonrise Academy: The Mysterious Boyfriend is Book 2 in the Academy Shifters series. This book drew me in and didn't let go. I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. I loved book 1 and was so looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed. Calen is such a wonderful character, and I was glad to see him get his happy ending. A chance meeting at a Christmas party, though brief, made a lasting impression. Vash is definitely mysterious and as the story goes along I was glad Calen didn't give up on him. I love Calen and Vash together. The pull of these fated mates was stronger than anything else. Calen fought for his alpha and their happy ending. And Vash wasn't going to let his situation take him away from seeing his omega. I definitely recommend this book and series and look forward to more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 10, 2022
Unfortunate circumstances. Interesting addition to the series. Calen, is an omega professior and best friend to Julian, the Interim Headmaster. They attended a holiday party at the home of a member of the school board. Calen noticed a handsome alpha of whom he lost track. When they finally connected, they felt an instant attraction to each other. Then Vash was abruptly called back to Corvaiz's house, the man to whom he was contracted in servitude, for life to fulfill a family debt of honor. Vash, was morally bound to Corvaiz while developing an emotional relationship with Calen. This was a very difficult read. It was one paragraph of misery after another. Will Corvaiz give Calen and Vash space to mate? Can Vash get out of his commitment? Can Corvaiz forgive Vash's family? Interesting story. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2022
Emotional connections (both good and bad) are found in this book. There are tragic, intense ones full of hate and revenge and then there are the loving ones holding sweet promises of a happy life together. Unlike other alpha/omega themes Calen is written as the stronger but older omega while Vash as the younger (by 6 years) alpha and is characterized as a kind of "weak" alpha; suffering humiliation because of his obligation to pay his family's debt of honor to "The Heir". He was left with no other choice in his young life. Tragic circumstances turning into each other's HEA left this ARC reviewer with a very satisfying reading experience. At this book's end there is a promise of The Heir story coming soon.
May 7, 2022
Delightful second book in omegaverse series
This is a sad but also a delightful book. Calen and Vash meet but don’t have an easy time of it because of Vash’s situation. Wendy Rathbone always has a deft way with omegaverse stories but she always manages to add more to the basic trope. In this one we have a fairly common idea of the omega and Alpha kept apart by forces beyond their control. What she adds to this is a psychological tale of what happens to someone who is grieving and ends up taking their grief out for years on someone innocent. Her characters are always fascinating to me and even the bad guys are fully formed people. If you like mm romance stories with a twist then I recommend this book to you. Enjoy.
This is a sad but also a delightful book. Calen and Vash meet but don’t have an easy time of it because of Vash’s situation. Wendy Rathbone always has a deft way with omegaverse stories but she always manages to add more to the basic trope. In this one we have a fairly common idea of the omega and Alpha kept apart by forces beyond their control. What she adds to this is a psychological tale of what happens to someone who is grieving and ends up taking their grief out for years on someone innocent. Her characters are always fascinating to me and even the bad guys are fully formed people. If you like mm romance stories with a twist then I recommend this book to you. Enjoy.
May 8, 2022
Wendy Rathbone has a way of really pulling you in and immersing you into her worlds. This story had some real heartbreaking feels but also lots of hope. Vash and Calen are a wonderful couple that have to overcome big odds to be together. I liked how Calen didn't give up on being with Vash and in trying to help him out of his situation. Often times Omegas are portrayed as weaker and smaller than Alphas, and I'm glad to read about Omegas that have fight and fire. The characters from the first book making an appearance helped tie the two books together. I'm really looking forward to the next book because I think the author is really going to have to pull a rabbit out of a hat to redeem the villian! Lol Fortunately, I know that Wendy is up to the challenge! Really enjoying this series!
April 28, 2022
WOW!!! JUST WOW!!!
This is Book #2 of MOONRISE ACADEMY: ACADEMY SHIFTERS and it's MAGNIFICENT!!! Calen is a Professor at the Academy. He's also best friends with Julian from Book #1. Vash is an interesting character. I felt so bad for this incredible young man. This book brings out what some will do in the name of honor. Not many things are done for honor in this day and age. WENDY RATHBONE always amazes me with her special take on shifters. Shifter books are my absolute favorite. This is an AMAZING series but these can be read as stand alones. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
This is Book #2 of MOONRISE ACADEMY: ACADEMY SHIFTERS and it's MAGNIFICENT!!! Calen is a Professor at the Academy. He's also best friends with Julian from Book #1. Vash is an interesting character. I felt so bad for this incredible young man. This book brings out what some will do in the name of honor. Not many things are done for honor in this day and age. WENDY RATHBONE always amazes me with her special take on shifters. Shifter books are my absolute favorite. This is an AMAZING series but these can be read as stand alones. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
April 23, 2022
I loved the first book in this new series- but this one was a surprise in a really good way. To me it was angsty and full of sorrow with the unfairness of Vash situation. However there’s also clear and beautiful light in the darkness when he meets Calen - and they fight for their love and right to be together. I really love that the omega is the though one - searching for a solution with great help from his friends. I was a joy to have cameos of Julian and Toby from the first book. I highly recommend this book - absolutely a 5 star read for me
April 25, 2022
I really like this series! In this one I especially appreciated that our Omega Calen was older and also emotionally stronger than our Alpha Vash. You will feel so deeply for Vash and what he goes through! It is heartbreaking and I was so glad that Calen had the strength to move them past it all! Loved getting to see Julian and Toby too! I received an ARC and I love a romance where our men have to overcome their pasts and push forward together! You will feel redeemed when things are made whole for these two! The Academy location of this series is a unique paranormal world!
April 26, 2022
Caleb is a professor at the Moonrise Academy and while attending a Christmas party he meets a dashing man that he can’t forget. Vash is not free to pursue a relationship because of other peoples actions and old pack law. The pull they feel is hard to ignore and has Vash rethinking everything about his circumstances. Calen fights to have future for Vash and himself. Beautiful story and I loved revisiting characters from the first book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 2, 2022
This is book two in a series that I am enjoying. Vash and Calen’s story is a good read. Vash and his situation pulls on your heart. You never know what is going on in someone’s home by what you seen the outside. I loved the way their relationship builds. The love and the trust between Calen and Vash shows through in all that they do. Their story is deep with emotions and pulled me right in. It moves at a good pace, and I enjoyed getting to see the characters from the previous book. From the ending of this book, I cannot wait to see how the next book will turn out.
May 6, 2022
My heart, my poor heart.
More than anything Vash is adorable, hes taken from his parents for something someone else did. Hes treated poorly, but also well.... mindgames. Hes allowed more than a slave would be, but again its to reinforce the bars of his cage.
Calen finnally meets the love of his life he wants to give him everything, though to begin with knows nothing of Vashs life. However, once he becomes aware of why Vash is not his own, he shows just how determined he can be for love.
But I have to say, I did have a soft spot for Corvaiz also. I look forward to his story
More than anything Vash is adorable, hes taken from his parents for something someone else did. Hes treated poorly, but also well.... mindgames. Hes allowed more than a slave would be, but again its to reinforce the bars of his cage.
Calen finnally meets the love of his life he wants to give him everything, though to begin with knows nothing of Vashs life. However, once he becomes aware of why Vash is not his own, he shows just how determined he can be for love.
But I have to say, I did have a soft spot for Corvaiz also. I look forward to his story
May 8, 2022
I really liked the premise of this story. I knew I had to pick this book up. This is the first book I've read in this series. Great world building. I really liked the characters. Their road to happiness was not an easy path as Vash was not free, but indentured to another alpha for his twin murdered by Vash's brother. I was completely compelled by Vash, and captivated by the storyline that caught my attention from the start. I definitely plan to go back and read the first book in this series, and am looking forward to the next book. 4 stars
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this. The story-line was different. I liked learning about the “old pack laws”. I do wonder what happened to Vash’s brother. Was he in prison for life or did he eventually get out? Maybe it said and I missed it. I liked Calen’s friends at the academy and how they all help him even if the situation seemed a little strange at first. This is my first time reading about an Alpha being a slave to another Alpha and I really liked it. Overall, this story kept my attention throughout, and I had to read to the end to see how Vash and Calen got their HEA.
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